Systems for organizing and carrying food preparation items

ABSTRACT

Food preparation kits and organizing systems include a case for containing combinations of spices and/or utensils and cooking accessories. A case may take the form of a book including front and back covers connected by a spine portion. Spices may be organized and retained inside the case along with utensils such as knives, tongs and measuring spoons.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to portable spices and kitchenware. In particular, the invention provides kit configurations and systems that can be customized for carrying combinations of spices and assorted kitchen items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People who travel often desire to use someone else's kitchen which may not be equipped with an adequate or desirable selection of spices and/or other kitchen accessories. For example, “equipped kitchens” in rental properties typically have little or no spices other than salt and pepper. A single dull knife is typically provided and inadequate for the desired task.

[0003] Some people may pack cooking items loosely in a bag or suitcase. However, this approach is unsatisfactory because the food preparation items are not sufficiently organized, and are therefore hard to use. Similarly, when hiking or camping, it is typically difficult to assemble the ideal spice and kitchen accessory combination for the particular trip in an organized container that is lightweight, easy, and efficient to use.

[0004] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide portable kit configurations for carrying customized combinations of spices and/or accessories for cooking and preparing food while traveling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides portable kitchen kit assemblies and configurations. For example, a book-shaped case has first and second panel portions hinged together along a spine portion so that the panel portions can be folded together to close the case, and alternately opened to access the interior of the case. A kit can be customized for a particular trip to include an assortment of spices as well as cooking utensils and printed recipe materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable kitchen kit.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the kit shown in FIG. 1, in an open configuration displaying the contents of the kit.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative portable kitchen kit.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another portable kitchen kit rolled up for storage or transport.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the kit shown in FIG. 4, opened up to display its contents.

[0011]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a book-shaped case for carrying a combination of spice containers.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case shown in FIG. 6, in an open configuration.

[0013]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified book-shaped case for carrying spices, in an open configuration.

[0014]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through the case shown in FIG. 8.

[0015]FIGS. 10 and 11 show alternative case designs for carrying spices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016]FIG. 1 shows portable kitchen kit 20 including flexible carrying case or housing 22. Carrying case 22 has two substantially similar or equal rectangular panel portions that are hingedly connected along a spine portion of the case so that the case can be opened in a book-like manner to access the contents of the case. Zipper fastening mechanism 24 is provided to maintain case 22 in a closed condition for storage or transport. Handle or loop member 26 may be provided on case 22, for example, connected to zipper 24.

[0017]FIG. 2 shows case 22 in an open configuration. Case 22 opens into two side panel portions or cupboard-like spaces, including first side panel portion 28 a and second side panel portion 28 b. As shown, numerous articles for cooking or preparing food, such as spice bottles, knives, tongs, a cutting surface, and recipe cards, may be contained in case 22. The term “spice” as used in this description may include traditional and/or common spices, exotic spices, herbs, and seasonings. Articles stored in case 22 are arranged in a logical fashion so that a user may determine at a glance which items are equipped or missing, and may access each item quickly and conveniently, without having to first disengage or remove adjacent items. Articles are arranged separately and securely, to prevent clutter caused by items dislodging during transit or storage. For example, sharp utensils are stored so that their edges are protected, to prevent puncturing or cutting other articles or the exterior of case 22, or to prevent dulling of the edges. Moreover, the arrangement of the items provides internal structure and stability to case 22 when it is closed.

[0018] In FIG. 2, first panel 28 a holds a plurality of spice containers 30. Each container has a lid 32 and label 34, and may be secured by elastic restraint 36. Restraint 36 may accommodate a standard 2- or 4-oz. cylindrical spice container so that label 34 is not obscured. The elastic nature of the restraints will readily accommodate roughly similar containers of other sizes and shapes. Additionally, the elasticity of restraint 36 allows container 30 to be removed from its restraint without removing or affecting adjacent containers. Restraint 36 may optionally be used to hold items other than spices. Panel 28 a may also hold a pair of tongs 40, or other kitchen utensil, with another elastic restraint 42. Other types of restraint devices may be used such as VELCRO straps, clips, snaps, etc. As used herein, a restraint or retention device holds an item against a pane even if the panel is held face down or moderately shaken or squeezed.

[0019] Second panel 28 b has a mesh pocket 50 for holding recipe cards or other printed materials. Pocket 50 may hold other things such as seasoning packets or other small utensils. Pocket 50 may alternatively be an accordion-style envelope, a restraining strap, or similar means for storing and/or displaying printed matter. Second panel 28 b also may contain one or more knives 60. Knife 60 includes handle 62 and blade 64. Elastic strap 65 may go behind some implements and in front of others as shown. Adjacent flat pockets 66 each provide a protective, separate sheath 67 for a knife blade. Alternatively, other bladed or flat utensils may be stored in flat pockets 66. A set of measuring spoons 68 is secured by clip 68 a. Flexible cutting surface 69 may be stored in large, flat pocket 69 a, positioned underneath knife pockets 66 and providing protection against knife blades 64 piercing the exterior wall of case 22. Knives 60 and cutting surface 69 also lend structural rigidity to case 22, which may be used as a substantially flat and sturdy work area when closed. Alternatively, cutting surface 69 may be placed on top of closed case 22 to provide a flat food preparation surface.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows a portable kitchen kit 70 which is similar to kit 20 in some respects. However, kit 70 is larger to accommodate more spices and/or cooking utensils or accessories. Case 71 includes deep panel portion 72 a and top panel portion 72 b which are hinged together along spine portion 72 c. Spice containers 73 are held by elastic restraints 74 inside deep panel portion 72 a. Knives 75 fit into removable sheath members 76. Each sheath member 76 is provided with hook-or-loop area 77 on at least one side of sheath member 76. Hook-or-loop area 77 on sheath member 76 may be fastened to hook-or-loop bands 78 provided on the inside of top panel portion 72 b. This configuration allows significant flexibility to arrange different knife combinations or other utensils in case 71 for different trips or food preparation objectives. The arrangement in case 71 is also advantageous because the protective sheath for a given knife may stay with the knife away from the case. It also allows the knife or utensil holders to be more easily cleaned. Kit 70 in FIG. 3 is also shown including other utensils such as spatula 79. Tongs 80 or other utensils may be secured by elastic retainer 81. Measuring spoons 84 are held by clip 86.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows portable kitchen kit 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Kit 100 includes flexible carrying case or housing 102. Case 102 is a single rectangular panel that can be unrolled to access contents of the case. Strap fastening member 104 is provided to maintain case 102 in closed, rolled-up condition for storage or transport. Case 102 may be also be provided with a zipper fastening mechanism along its periphery to allow folding and securing of the case for storage or transit.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows case 102 in an unrolled, open configuration. Numerous articles for cooking and/or preparing food may be contained in case 102 in a useable and functional presentation, displayed in a substantially flat arrangement. Case 102 consists of an elongate rectangular panel portion with three areas generally designated as first end 106, central area 108, and second end 110. Near first end 106, knife 120, including handle 122 and blade 124, is stored in flat pocket 126 and secured with elastic restraint 128. Flat compartments or pouches 130 are each provided with a closing device 132, for example, a zip lock mechanism, and label 134. Pouches 130 are preferably made of transparent material so a user may quickly determine the amount, or verify the identity, of the contents of each pouch. Central area 108 of case 102 has two parallel columns of adjacent, transparent pockets 136 for storage of pouches 130. Although two columns of three pockets each are shown, many different pocket arrays are possible. Each pocket 136 is transparent so that a user can see the contents of enclosed pouch 130 without having to remove it. Pocket 130 preferably has a transparent plastic front, or may have a mesh front. Each pocket 136 has a side opening directed toward the center of case 102. When case 102 rolls up for storage or transit, pockets 136 with side openings oriented in a direction perpendicular to the rolling axis prevents dislodging of the pouch during transit. In this embodiment, each row of pockets opens inwardly towards the center of the case for convenience, although the pockets could open in the same direction, or outwardly towards the side edges of case 102. Alternatively, each pocket 136 may be equipped with a flap closure or similar device, to further protect against dislodging of the stored pouch. Measuring spoons 140 are secured by clip 142. Other utensils may also be stored in flexible case 102.

[0023]FIG. 6 shows another food preparation kit 150 in the form of a book. Kit 150 includes case 151. Case 151 has front cover 152 hingedly connected to back cover 154 through spine portion 156. Formed walls 152 a and 154 a are provided on front cover 152 and back cover 154, respectively, for containing the contents of case 151 when it is closed. Covers 152 and 154 are sufficiently rigid so that case 151 can stand up on one end to minimize use of counter space or shelf space.

[0024]FIG. 7 shows kit 150 in an open configuration displaying the interior contents which consist primarily of spice containers 157. Spice containers 157 are retained in an organized arrangement inside front cover 152 and wall portion 152 a by clips or holders 158. Holders 158 are dimensioned to clamp or grasp the sides of spice container 157 so that containers 157 can be easily engaged or “snapped” into place, and alternately removed for use. It will be appreciated that many different kinds of retention holders may be used to organize spice containers in a case such as the ones shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, hook-or-loop fasteners may be used whereby a first hook-or-loop part is fastened to the inside of cover 152. A second part of a hook-or-loop fastener in the form of a belt or band may be secured around the circumference of a container. The container may then be simply attached and removed from the inside cover of the book-shaped case.

[0025]FIGS. 8 and 9 show another book-shaped kit for organizing and carrying spice containers. Kit 170 is similar to kit 150 in FIGS. 6 and 7. Kit 170 includes front cover 172 connected to back cover 174 through spine portion 176. Wall portions 172 a and 174 a are formed on the inner sides of front cover 172 and back cover 174 for containing the contents of the kit when it is closed. Compartment 177 is preferably a transparent pocket on the inner side of back cover 174 for containing recipe cards or other materials. A specially-molded interior 178 is provided on the inside of front cover 172 for retaining rows of spice containers 180. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section through front cover 172 and interior 178. Channels 182 are formed in interior 178. Each channel has a cylindrically-shaped wall that encompasses part of the circumference of spice container 180. One or more lip members 186 are formed along the channels to retain spice containers 180 in channel 182. Lip members 186 constrain channel 182 to encompass more than half but less than all of the circumference of container 180 so that spice containers can be easily “snapped” in and out of place in channel 182.

[0026]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of portable kitchen kit 200 according to an alternative embodiment of this invention. Kit 200 includes case 202 in the form of an open top box including floor 204 and sidewalls 206 a-d extending upward from floor 204. Case 202 also has lid 214 hingedly connected to sidewall 206 b. Strap fastening member 216 or similar releasable means is provided to maintain case 202 in a closed condition for transport or storage.

[0027] The interior of case 202 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces by means of a partition matrix 218. Partition matrix 218 may be removably fitted into case 202 or permanently molded to the interior of the case. Partition matrix 218 may be formed by a plurality of partition plates. Each compartment 220 is sized to accommodate spice container 230. Compartment 220 may conform to fit a standard 2- or 4-oz. cylindrical spice container, or may accommodate a container of a different size. Container 230 generally includes a lid 232, visible from the top of open case 202. Lid 232 may be labeled so a user can readily identify the contents of container 230.

[0028]FIG. 11 shows portable kitchen kit 250 according to yet another embodiment of this invention. Kit 250 includes cylindrical case 252, with accompanying case lid 254 secured to the exterior of case 252 by restraining strap 256. Case 252 accommodates a plurality of shallow cylindrical containers 210 in a stacked configuration. Container 210 includes exterior wall 212 and lid 214, either of which may accommodate a label. Case 202 may be composed of any suitable rigid or flexible material. The material may be transparent so that the containers may be seen without opening the case. In this way, the user can determine the identity and quantity of the contents of each container without having to open the case or remove any containers.

[0029] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. For example, the kits and systems described above may combine any number of different food preparation items including but not limited to tongs, whisk, wooden spoon, spatula, garlic press, wine opener, potato or carrot peeler, cheese grater, crab cracker, cherry pitter, meat thermometer, lemon or lime juicer, can opener, bottle opener, mini propane torch, zester, measuring cups, melon bailer, ice cream scoop, scrub brush, pot holder, mini cuisinart etc. The description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 

I claim:
 1. A portable kitchen kit comprising a book-shaped case having first and second panel portions hinged together along a spine portion so that the panel portions can be folded together to close the case, and alternately opened apart to access the interior of the case, spice container retention devices provided on an inner side of the first panel portion, wherein the retention devices are configured to apply force in a direction normal to the first panel.
 2. The kit of claim 1 further comprising one or more holders on the inner side of the second panel portion for retaining at least one other food preparation item.
 3. The kit of claim 2 wherein the other food preparation item is a knife.
 4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the other food preparation item includes one or more recipe cards.
 5. The kit of claim 2, wherein the other food preparation item includes measuring spoons.
 6. The kit of claim 1, wherein one or more holders are provided on the inner side of the first panel for retaining at least one other food preparation item.
 7. The kit of claim 1, wherein each spice container retention device includes an elastic band.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein a zipper is provided for holding the panel portions together when the case is closed.
 9. The kit of claim 3, wherein the holder includes a pocket and a sheath insert for safely securing the knife inside the case.
 10. A portable kitchen kit comprising a book-shaped case having first and second panel portions hinged together along a spine portion so that the panel portions can be folded together to close the case, and alternately opened apart to access the interior of the case, and one or more channels formed on an inside of the first panel portion for holding one or more cylindrically-shaped food containers wherein at least a portion of the channel encompasses more than half and less than all of the circumference of the food container.
 11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the food containers hold selected spices.
 12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the food containers are standard dimensional spice containers.
 13. The kit of claim 10, wherein at least three channels are formed on the inside of the first panel portion.
 14. The kit of claim 10, wherein each channel holds at least three spice containers.
 15. The kit of claim 10 further comprising a compartment formed on the inside of the second panel portion for holding recipe cards.
 16. The kit of claim 1, wherein the panel portions are compressible.
 17. The kit of claim 1, wherein the panels are reinforced sufficiently to stand up on an end of the case.
 18. The kit of claim 1, wherein one of the panel portions is provided with hook-or-loop material for flexibly fastening accessory holders.
 19. A portable kitchen kit comprising a book-shaped case having first and second panel portions hinged together along a spine portion so that the panel portions can be folded together to close the case and alternately opened apart to access the interior of the case, hook-or-loop material fastened to an interior side of one of the panel portions, and retention members configured to hold a food preparation item, wherein each retention member has hook-or-loop material configured for removable attachment to the hoop-or-loop material on the interior of the panel portion.
 20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the food preparation item is a knife.
 21. The kit of claim 19, wherein the food preparation item is a spice container.
 22. The kit of claim 19 further comprising one or more spice container retaining devices attached to an inside of one or both of the panel portions.
 23. A portable kitchen kit comprising a flexible substantially flat case having an outside and an inside, the inside of the case having a plurality of compartments configured for holding spice pouches, and a fastening mechanism that can be used to hold the case in a rolled up configuration for transport.
 24. The kit of claim 23, wherein each compartment has a transparent inner wall to allow viewing of the contents of the compartment.
 25. The kit of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of spice pouches dimensioned to fit into the compartments, each spice pouch having a zip-lock fastening mechanism.
 26. The kit of claim 23, wherein each compartment is openable along a side facing an internal portion of the case.
 27. The kit of claim 23 further comprising at least one knife compartment formed on the inside of the case. 